Property in St George's served with three-month closure order
West Mercia Police have secured a three-month closure order on a house in Telford following what officers described as a year-long pattern of anti-social behaviour and criminality affecting neighbours.
The order, granted at Telford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, applies to a property on 10 Park Close, St George’s. Police said the application was made under Section 80 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 after persistent complaints to officers.
In a statement the force listed a catalogue of problems linked to the address over the past 12 months, saying residents reported incidents including drunk and disorderly conduct, continual loud music, dangerous driving, garden fires and a steady stream of visitors at all hours. Police also said there had been suspicions of drug dealing and reports of violence tied to the property.
"This closure order is a positive result for the residents of Park Close, who have had to endure persistent anti-social behaviour and criminality linked to this address for a prolonged period of time."
Sergeant Sean Maddocks, of the St George’s and Priorslee Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said that the property had generated significant demand on police resources. He paid tribute to the neighbourhood teams and local people who provided information to support the application.
What the closure order means for the neighbourhood
The order prevents the occupants from returning to the property for three months while it is in force. Officers from the St George’s and Priorslee SNT were assisted by North Telford SNT and the force’s Prevention team when securing the order.
Local residents said they had repeatedly contacted police about incidents at the address. The force said community reports and intelligence were instrumental in obtaining the court order.
- Address: 10 Park Close, St George’s, Telford
- Legislation used: Section 80, Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
- Duration of closure: Three months
- Date granted: 10 August
| Issue raised by residents | Reported to police |
|---|---|
| Drunk and disorderly behaviour | Yes |
| Suspected drug dealing | Yes |
| Dangerous driving and garden fires | Yes |
Local consequences and policing response
Closure orders are civil measures aimed at protecting communities and can be used where anti-social behaviour at a location is having a sustained, detrimental effect on the quality of life for neighbouring residents. They can be complemented by criminal proceedings if offences are identified during investigations.
Police described the order as a reassurance to people living on Park Close. The force added it would remain engaged with the community and urged residents to continue reporting incidents and sharing information.
For neighbours, the short-term restriction on access to the property is intended to reduce immediate harm and give agencies space to address underlying issues. The operation involved multiple neighbourhood policing teams and the Prevention unit, reflecting the complexity and persistence of the complaints.
While the closure will be reviewed after three months, it does not itself determine criminal responsibility. Any evidence uncovered by officers during patrols and enquiries could lead to further action. In the meantime, police have committed to maintaining a visible presence in the area and working with residents to restore a sense of safety.
Residents with information about ongoing problems in their neighbourhood are advised to continue reporting them to West Mercia Police through the usual channels to help build any necessary casework and safeguard the community.
